Taking the Challenge To Live a Life Without Compromise

While recently celebrating my first-year wedding anniversary with my sweetheart, I couldn’t help but think back to my wedding day: the day I married my partner, best friend and true love. The days before and after our nuptials were a time full of overwhelming love, never-ending laughter and abundant joy spent with family and friends. Not only did this period in my life mark a major milestone, it also marked a second moment that I will never forget: a time when I felt most confident and sure of myself, a time when I felt beautiful and loved unconditionally. In the midst of wedding planning, I made a promise to myself that I would not compromise.

What did being uncompromising mean to me? To not settle for anything but what I believed to be the best for my husband and I on our special day. That shimmering, knee-length dress with pearl beading and the prettiest of sweetheart necklines I had been coveting for months? It had to be mine! Tying the knot at our favourite spot on Toronto Island, where the land meets the lake and offers a breathtaking view of the city skyline? No questions asked; this was the spot where we would be getting married. Feeling comfortable in my own skin and as beautiful as my husband sees me on a day-to-day basis? As unnatural as this may have felt to me at the time, I made a vow to see myself through my husband’s eyes and loved every inch and curve. These significant details were ones that I refused to settle on. After all, this would be a day that would only come around once in my lifetime.

Looking back at this moment, I recalled that it was one of the first times in my life that I felt 100% like myself. A time where I felt all kinds of wonderful: I felt blissful, self-assured, radiant and on cloud nine—like every bride should. But how could I let this amazing feeling end here? Why would I go back to a life where I would regularly settle and compromise? I couldn’t. I promised myself that I wouldn’t… and I didn’t.

Although this new way of living would be a challenge, it has been one of the best and most liberating decisions of my life (along with marrying the man of my dreams!). With this, I now challenge you to start living your life as #UncompromisingWomen! Whether it’s making sure you take the time to watch your favourite TV show or saying no to work once you leave the office, taking the step to living a life without compromise is worth it. I DARE you to take this challenge—you deserve it!

Tell us: how do you plan on living your life without compromise? Let us know in the comments below!